Tracking antennas for long-range drone links
Updated November 3, 2026
A tracking antenna is a directional antenna on a motorised mount that keeps pointing at the aircraft as it moves. Because directional antennas concentrate energy in a narrow beam, they offer much higher gain than omnidirectional antennas, extending the range and robustness of line-of-sight data links without increasing transmitter power.
How tracking works
- GNSS-based tracking: the antenna controller receives the aircraft position over telemetry and computes where to point.
- Signal-based tracking: the controller steers to maximise received signal strength (monopulse or step tracking).
- Hybrid tracking combines both for robustness at short and long range.
- Electronically steered (phased array) antennas point the beam without moving parts.
Key specifications
- Frequency bands and antenna gain, matched to the radios used.
- Beamwidth: narrow beams give more gain but need more accurate pointing.
- Azimuth and elevation range, including continuous 360° rotation.
- Slew rate and pointing accuracy, important for fast or close aircraft.
- Number of antennas or radios carried on the pedestal.
- Portability: tripod-mounted, vehicle-mounted or fixed installations.
- Environmental protection: wind load, IP rating and operating temperature.
When to use one
Tracking antennas are used for long-range fixed-wing operations, flight testing, video downlinks over long distances, and fixed sites that support many flights. For operations over the horizon, a BLOS link is needed instead. Tracking antennas usually connect to a ground control station.
